Laura K. Guyer

Laura K. Guyer, PhD, RD returned to UF in 2011 to establish the “Health Disparities in Society” (HDS) minor in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and develop its two bookend courses, WST 2322 Introduction to Health Disparities and WST 4941C Practicum in Health Disparities. HDS is the only undergraduate academic program nationwide that introduces preprofessional students to the issues of health disparities, social determinants of health, cultural competence, health literacy and advocacy. In addition to her appointment in the Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research, she is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health and Health Professions.

Before returning to the faculty, Dr. Guyer was the Associate Director at Suwannee River Area Health Education Center (AHEC), one of four regional Centers directed by the University of Florida Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) Program. In this position, she directed health professions workforce development programs, medical, physician assistant and MPH student clinical education and internships and the legislative advocacy program. From 1999-2001 she was the Vice President at Engineering THE LAW (ETL), Inc., a non-profit organization that teaches advocacy skills to state and national professional associations.

Dr. Guyer was a tenured Associate Professor in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at UF and director of two programs accredited by the American Dietetic Association. She was a clinical dietitian, wellness nutritionist and community health educator. She provided nutrition consultation services to rural hospitals in north Florida and is published in numerous peer reviewed, trade and consumer publications. Dr. Guyer has served in state leadership positions in the Florida Public Health Association and Florida Dietetic Association and is active in state, professional and community service. She has maintained professional registration with the American Dietetic Association since 1978.

The Bob Graham Center for Public Service is a community of students, scholars, and citizens who share a commitment to renewing the values, knowledge, and skills of citizenship, and training the next generation of public and private sector leaders.